Business Cards: Is it professional to make handwritten changes to contact info?

Question

A couple of friends told me that if one contact information changes,
not to buy new cards but to make the handwritten changes directly to the pre-existing card? What do you think? Does this vary according to one's profession, job, or field? Thank you for your detailed and constructive respones.

Answer 1

Handwritten changes show a lack of care in one's work. If you're going to take the shortcut of scribbling in changes to your business card, then what makeshift shortcuts are you going to do in the work you produce?

It's so inexpensive to have business cards printed these days -- not many people use the old style method of engraving the cards, unless you're in a very stuffy profession. VistaPrint.com is practically free, or better yet the Avery clean-edge cards come in glossy, linen and matte finishes. Your print them as you need them so they're always up-to-date.

Answer 2

Business cards are so inexpensive to produce these days. Making a hand-written correction comes across as quite unprofessional and inconsiderate.

I was shopping for a new car last summer, and the salesman scratched out some info and put in his own. My reactions were:
1) I didn't buy the car from him, and
2) I wondered how long he would be in the job if they wouldn't spring for cards for him?

My inclination would be that the more formal the job and/or position, the worse of an infraction this would be. But I would be interested in reading your other answers as well.

Answer 3

no, i don't think it's professional. Given the inexpensive costs of printing cards these days, you should not take the risk of losing credibility. Get some new cards printed.

Better yet, finalize your contact info by getting a cell phone and a PO Box. So even if you move, those items will stay the same. (I am assuming you're not part of a big corporation.)

People do care. If you make mistakes and are not thorough with your OWN cards, they may think you will make mistakes in your transaction with them.

Answer 4

Please do not make handwritten changes on the business card. It does not look professional at all. Cards do not cost that much. Go ahead and spend a couple of pennies to get the cards changed.

Answer 5

Handwriting info on a business card is definitely tacky and not remotely professional. Doing this makes you and your company look bad.

Think about it, have you ever seen somebody cross out on letterhead? No because it would look bad. Same goes for business cards, they're professional documents that project your company image. Must show a good one!

Answer 6

Well i've seen people do this but, I really don't think it is right, but if you HAVE to..go ahead! It really does vary according to the type of job. This reminds me I need to get some business cards!

Answer 7

You can if you write the changes in front of the person you are giving the card to. Don't do it ahead of time it would look cheesy but doing it at the moment shows you care that they get correct info.

Answer 8

The truth is, most people could care less. The best people will even admire you for not wasting money buying new cards when the ones you already have will do just fine. If someone questions it, just say, "I don't like to waste money", which is always a virtue, especially to a potential client.

Answer 9

My personal view : If they can't get it right on their own cards...are they going to provide correct professional service for me? If given the choice between the two cards, I will always pick the professional looking typed one. Invest in new cards, it will pay for itself.

Answer 10

No, but if you have no other option it is better than leaving correct contact info off of the card. Weigh the situation carefully before hand.